2022 El Celler de Cara Nord Red Wine Conca de Barbera 750 ml

What Priorat was decades ago, what Montsant was 15 years ago, Conca de Barbera is today. 

The little-known appellation sits in the north of Spain, just west of Barcelona. It’s overshadowed by the region’s more famous locations but aggressively making a name for itself today. One reasons it’s making headway is because, in the land of inky, rich reds, the wines of Conca de Barbera bring a little lighter body, a little more grace, a little more elegance. 

The 2022 El Celler de Cara Nord Red Wine might just be Exhibit A. Grown in a high-elevation setting up to 800m—that’s over 2,400 feet—above sea level, this blend of Garnacha (Grenache), Syrah, and Garrut (aka Monastrell or Mourvèdre) is vibrant, with warm red berry aromas, a delightfully tense palate, and a beautiful spice that lasts over the long finish. 

While the wine departs from some typical northern Spanish reds, some similarities remain—namely, the meagre soils. The 2022 Cara Nord grew on nutrient-poor soil with slate, sand, and calcareous clay intermixed. In the sunny climate—about 2,700 hours of sunshine per year—the grapes develop beautiful ripeness and concentration. And after six months in French oak, the resulting wine is superb.

This vibrant red is led by aromas of warm pomegranate, with hints of dark berries and spice wrapped in red roses and clove. The palate has nice tension, with red fruit and pepper spice, along with silky tannins that deliver a lasting finish. It’s the perfect wine to accompany blistered red peppers, game meats off the grill, or just a cooling night on the terrace.